PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks aren’t in the playoffs, but still find themselves in October conversations — especially among Philadelphia Phillies fans.
Oct 1, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Trea Turner (7) listens to pitching coach Caleb Cotham (65) with infielders Bryson Stott (5) and Edmundo Sosa (33) during a mound visit against the Atlanta Braves in the sixth inning in game three of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks and Phillies spent the last few days of the regular season battling for the final National League wild-card spot, with Philadelphia eventually coming out on top. While Arizona is forced to watch the postseason from home, its past has been at the center of the Phillies’ postseason exit.
The Atlanta Braves eliminated Philadelphia in the wild-card round Thursday, losing two out of three games against the reigning NL East champions. The early exit has fans revisiting the team’s recent playoff disappointments, going as far back as the 2023 season.
Oct 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves in game three of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
That postseason has become one of the biggest what-ifs. Philadelphia had been to the World Series just a year earlier before falling to the Houston Astros, and 2023 seemed like the perfect opportunity to make another championship run. The roster was loaded with established stars in Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.
Then came Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.
Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Corbin Carroll (7) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in game seven of the NLCS at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Oct. 24, 2023. Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Diamondbacks weren’t given much of a chance to be the team standing between the Phillies and another World Series, at least by many fans. But Arizona’s young, aggressive roster proved capable of matching Philadelphia and ultimately delivered the biggest blow of the Phillies’ recent postseason run.
That series is what many fans now look back on as the measuring stick for the club’s postseason disappointment.
Anyone who got excited for this era of the Phillies after the Diamondbacks collapse, you’re a pathetic , homer, idiot. You have no idea of what a good team looks like. That’s why these owners can rob you year after year. #Phillies
— Bucky George (@george_bucky) October 2, 2026
After the diamondbacks stunned them at home in 2023 they have never been the same offensively. Time to sell the whole team
— Phanatic’s Grundle (@PhanaticsGrundl) October 2, 2026
The era has been over. The Diamondbacks took their heart. They haven’t been the same since then. https://t.co/9yzaA8M1Kb
— 🙅🏾♂️ (@_TheBigC) October 2, 2026
I always said it, even though they were in the World Series in 2022, the downfall of the Phillies began when they lost to the Diamondbacks in the 2023 NLCS!
They were head & shoulders better than Arizona & I think they would’ve defeated the Rangers in that World Series.
— Rocky D ” The Rock” (@The_rock954) October 2, 2026
Probably should’ve just beaten the Diamondbacks https://t.co/BelQFIKWTd
— Colin (@colinrb11) October 2, 2026
The D-Backs haven’t found their way back to the postseason after that 2023 run, which ended in heartbreak in the World Series with a loss to the Texas Rangers. Still, the team’s 2023 run continues to find its way into conversations among other fans during playoff baseball.
It showcases how quickly an October run can linger long after it ends.
Philadelphia continues to chase the championship that seemed within reach three years ago. The latest loss to Atlanta has only reopened the question: Was 2023 the year the Phillies had their best chance?
Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper reacts during action against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning during Game 7 of the NLCS at Citizens Bank Park on Oct 24, 2023. Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Diamondbacks made sure they didn’t get to find out, and that series continues to loom over the Phillies’ championship conversation.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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